TABLE MANNERS

One cuts the food by holding the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left hand with the fork tines piercing the food to secure it on the plate. Simply eat the cut pieces of food by picking them up with your fork still in your left hand, tines facing down, and the knife in your right hand.

American Style of Eating:

One cuts the food by holding the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left hand with the fork tines piercing the food to secure it on the plate. Cut a few bite-size pieces of food, then lay your knife across the top edge of your plate with the sharp edge of the knife facing in. Change your fork from your left to your right hand to eat, fork tines facing up (if you are left-handed, keep your fork in your left hand, tines facing up.) After cutting your meat, put the knife down, switch the fork to your right hand and spear the piece of meat. The United States is the only country that practices the American Style of eating.

BASIC TABLE MANNERS

1. It is best to order foods that can be eaten with a knife and fork. Finger foods can be messy and are best left for informal dining.
2. Do not order alcoholic beverages. Drinking too much when dining out is one of the most disliked behaviors.
3. Do not smoke while dining out.
4. Sit up straight at the table. It makes a good impression.
5. If food gets caught between your teeth and you can't remove it from your tongue, leave the table and go to a mirror where you can remove the food from your teeth in private.
6. As a guest, you should not order one of the most expensive items on the menu or more than two courses unless your host indicates that it is all right.

Utensils

1. Choosing the correct silverware from the variety in front of you is not as difficult as it may first appear.
2. Starting with the knife, fork, or spoon that is farthest from your plate, work your way in, using one utensil for each course.
3. The salad fork is on your outermost left, followed by your dinner fork. Your soupspoon is on your outermost right, followed by your beverage spoon, salad knife and dinner knife.
4. Your dessert spoon and fork are above your plate or brought out with dessert.
5. Remember the rule to work from the "outside in".
6. When finished eating, lay your fork and knife diagonally across your plate. Place your knife and fork side by side, with the sharp side of the knife blade facing inward and the fork, tines down, to the left of the knife. The knife and fork should be placed as if they are pointing to the numbers 10 and 4 on a clock face.

Napkins

1. Immediately put your napkin on your lap within the first TEN seconds after sitting down.
2. The meal begins when the host unfolds his/her napkin.
3. Do use your napkin to blot your mouth.
4. Don't use your napkin as a bib.
5. Don't use your napkin as a handkerchief (especially if it's made of cloth.)
6. When leaving the table after you're done, leave the napkin on the table. Don't crumble up your napkin at all. Fold it loosely and leave it beside your plate.